Karen Bartmess, age 71, of Nevada, Iowa, died Wednesday, April 15, 2015, at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa.

In accordance with her wishes, Karen was cremated.  Memorial graveside services will be held at a later date in Woodland Cemetery, Iowa Center, Iowa.

Born November 5, 1943, in Waterloo, Iowa, Karen Christine Bartmess was the daughter of John and Edna Katherine (Svendsen) Nielsen.  She grew up and received her education in the Waterloo area.  On February 17, 1968, she was united in marriage to Henry Lee Bartmess at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.  The couple was blessed with two children, Dan and Michelle.

Karen was an avid reader and enjoyed playing games on her computer.  She prayed and read her Bible daily and appreciated the company of family and friends.  Karen celebrated and was proud of her Danish heritage.  Over the years she worked in housekeeping at several hospitals and nursing homes.  Most recently, she made her home at The Meadows in Nevada.

Survivors include a son, Dan and his wife Kim Bartmess of Huntersville, North Carolina; two grandchildren, Ren Damme of Fernald, and Ashley Damme and fiancé Josh Hagen of Nevada; and a brother, John (Joanne) Nielsen of Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her husband; a daughter, Michelle Damme; and her parents.   

Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Karen and her family.